On the other hand, March has a number of holidays that students can take advantage of and unwind themselves after a tiring bout of exams.Holi, a major festival, is also scheduled for March, along with Good Friday and Easter. Here is a list of holidays in March 2024 that students can expect to have a day off from their respective schools:
Here’s a closer look at the holidays of March 2024:
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti (Observed on March 5, 2024)
This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, a social reformer who lived in the 19th century. He advocated for a return to the original teachings of the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism, and fought against social evils like the caste system and child marriage. His followers celebrate his birth with prayers, discourses, and community gatherings.
Maha Shivaratri/Shivaratri (Observed on March 8, 2024)
This “Night of Shiva” is a major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. He represents the transformative power of destruction and regeneration. Devotees offer prayers, perform ablutions with holy water, and observe fasts. Many stay awake all night in vigil, meditating and chanting hymns in Shiva’s honor. The festival signifies seeking spiritual liberation through self-discipline and devotion.
Holi, Dol Jatra(Observed on March 25, 2024)
This vibrant festival, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. People engage in playful throwing of colored powder and water on each other, symbolizing the washing away of past grievances and the embrace of joy, love, and new beginnings.
Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday (Observed on March 28, 2024)
This Christian holy day commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his twelve disciples, the night before his crucifixion. During this supper, Jesus established the sacrament of Holy Communion, symbolically sharing bread and wine to represent his body and blood. Christians attend special services on Maundy Thursday, reflecting on Jesus’ teachings of love, service, and sacrifice.
Good Friday (Observed on March 29, 2024)
This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Christians believe Jesus willingly sacrificed himself to atone for humanity’s sins. This day is marked by prayer, fasting, and reflection on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice for their faith. (Observed on March 29, 2024)
Easter (Observed on March 31, 2024)
Easter is one of the most significant holy day in Christianity, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after his crucifixion on Good Friday. It marks the culmination of Holy Week, a period of reflection and remembrance. Christians celebrate Easter with special church services, joyful gatherings, and festive meals. Easter signifies hope, new life, and redemption, offering a message of triumph over death and suffering.
